by Heather Nunn

So what shall I do? ... I will sing with my spirit.

In the same chapter that gives us some of the greatest priority and instructions for the spiritual gift of prophecy, we see instructions about the gift of tongues. First  Corinthians 14:15 is one of the grand conclusion statements of the chapter that says, “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.” I believe healthy members of a prophetic community should know and practice the power of singing and praying in the spirit.

So, what is it exactly?

Singing in the Spirit is a transformative spiritual practice that dates back thousands of years to the origin of the Church. Yet, though it has deep roots in Christian history, many do not fully understand why this is such an important tool nor the power it can unlock for the believer! Singing in the Spirit is a supernatural communication to God in languages unknown to the speaker that strengthens your inner man and accesses the power of the Spirit. Here are some of the things the Bible clearly says about singing and praying in the spirit:

• We are talking to God. (I Corinthians 14:2)

• We are edifying ourselves and strengthening our inner man. (I Corinthians 14:4, Jude 20)

• We are speaking mysteries by the power of the Spirit, opening up the realm of mystery. (I Corinthians 14:2, Acts 2:4)

• It can be translated/interpreted. (I Corinthians 14:13)

• Your spirit is praying. (Rom 8:26-27, I Corinthians 14:2) 

• It can be a sign and a wonder. (Mark 16:17, Acts 10:44-46)

   

A Powerful Way to Praise

It’s interesting to note that the priority of praising God in the Spirit is seen on the Day of Pentecost in that it was God’s first agenda after pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. When the people of the city heard the roaring sound, crowds came running to where it was coming from. The people were stunned as they heard the praises of God in their own languages! (Acts 2) This was the beginning of the outpouring on all flesh that resulted in the ability to prophesy, but it started with tongues that declared the praises of God. Prophecy and praising with tongues are therefore vitally connected.

A Powerful Way to Pray

Not only is singing in the Spirit powerful in worship, but also in intercession. There have been so many times when I just had no idea how/what to pray for. Deep is trying to call to deep, but there’s no adequate human language for it. In those times, I allow the Holy Spirit in me to pray and sing the perfect will of God.

 A Powerful Weapon of Spiritual Warfare

Singing in the spirit is also a powerful tool for warfare. Years ago, a small group of us were gathered together for a time of worship and intercession on behalf of some dear friends who were under demonic attack. We were all in one room worshiping and praying. After several minutes had passed, one of the young men with us was suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking and worshiping in tongues. Immediately, something broke in the atmosphere. 

    When this occurred, we all looked at each other and just laughed because there was such a tangible sudden breakthrough. It felt like light in the shape of a sword came piercing into the room and all darkness immediately left. The demonic attack was thwarted from that moment on. Later that night, someone who had not been present when all of this happened entered the room and immediately fell to the floor by the Spirit. He said that it felt like he had just walked into electricity!

    Worshiping and singing in the Spirit are powerful tools of praise, prayer, and warfare that build up the inner man, pray the heart of God, and overturn atmospheres. As a prophetic community, let us be sure to utilize this gift along with prophecy, always giving thanks to a good God for giving us such a powerful gift!